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[ucdawg12]

can anyone explain the particle usage in this sentence?

会社で来年のカレンダーをつくりました。

The translation says, "We have published our company's calendar for next year." I am just trying to get a hang of why で was chosen over something like が. When I read it, I know what the で is doing from context but I am unable to really be precise about why で　was used. Because from the translation it doesn't seem like it's using で is marking the location where the calendar was made. I guess it could be used as like the, "by means of" usage? In that case is it any different than using が?

 

[Kansoku]

can anyone explain the particle usage in this sentence?

会社で来年のカレンダーをつくりました。

The translation says, "We have published our company's calendar for next year." I am just trying to get a hang of why で was chosen over something like が. When I read it, I know what the で is doing from context but I am unable to really be precise about why で　was used. Because from the translation it doesn't seem like it's using で is marking the location where the calendar was made. I guess it could be used as like the, "by means of" usage? In that case is it any different than using が?

I might be wrong, but I think using が would imply that the company itself made the calendar, when it could be that a third-party actually did it. If you take the "会社で" part,
it would me that the calendar was published. But what calendar? The context of which calendar is it, is marked with the particle.

 

[erpg]

I think で also indicates the scope of a statement.

If you changed it to が, the company would become the subject, next year's calendar the object. So it'd read like more like -they- created the calendar for 2015.

Might be talking out of my ass here.

 

[Desmond]

I'm probably wrong but I took it as meaning the same as when you write something like みんなで.

 

[ucdawg12]

makes sense, thanks guys.

another question. this is from that same jlpt 3 book.

きのうは本当に寒くて、体が（ｘ）くらいだった。

１）　凍った
２）　凍るかと思う

the answer is 2. i had chosen 1, i'll explain my reasoning and why im struggling with understanding this answer.

so the book defines ~くらい as "to the extent ~, where ~ is the extent of what could have, but did not actually, happen" it also says verbs used with it need to be in the 普通形. so from my understanding of the "but did not actually happen" definition was that it extended to the "thinking" part of the answer. as in "i almost had the thought that i would freeze but actually that thought never happened." i guess the usage isn't that strict?

but i don't understand why 凍った doesn't work. it seems like if you follow the definition of "it could have happened but it didn't" then it should work, like it's an exaggeration but maybe exaggerations dont work, but then again how do i know this was an exaggeration and the speaker wasn't in the arctic. but i also wonder why 思う is in the present form, like he thinks it now rather than when it was happening. is that the reason 2 works and 1 doesn't, the conjugations? it was my understanding that 普通形 meant any casual conjugation including the casual past

 

[Deleted member 17706]

Grammatically, 1) wouldn't necessarily be wrong. It's more that it's incredibly unlikely since I think you'd be dead if your body froze.

 

[CornBurrito]

How would I say "Tokyo University's teachers are good at teaching" in Japanese?

東京大学の先生は教えるのが上手です？

 

[shanshan310]

How would I say "Tokyo University's teachers are good at teaching" in Japanese?

東京大学の先生は教えるのが上手です？

While correct, it's not really something you would say about a superior. I think it would be better to say that their way of teaching is fun or interesting, or you were able to learn a lot.

 

[CornBurrito]

While correct, it's not really something you would say about a superior. I think it would be better to say that their way of teaching is fun or interesting, or you were able to learn a lot.

Good to know, thank you.

I have another question. Lets say I am giving a tour of a factory to a bunch of people, and I want to say everyone (who works at the factory) is really nice. Would I use みんなさん, or would that word mean everyone "who I am talking to right now"? And if so, which word for "everyone" would I use?

 

[HisshouBuraiKen]

Good to know, thank you.

I have another question. Lets say I am giving a tour of a factory to a bunch of people, and I want to say everyone (who works at the factory) is really nice. Would I use みんなさん, or would that word mean everyone "who I am talking to right now"? And if so, which word for "everyone" would I use?

職員のみなさん for pretty much everyone, or 工員のみなさん if you literally just mean the guys out on the floor.

 

[Fahrenheit]

Just found this thread. Could anyone point me to a good text book on amazon to get me started on the basics of leaning Japanese? Like to get to the point of speaking/reading it.

 

[Desmond]

Just found this thread. Could anyone point me to a good text book on amazon to get me started on the basics of leaning Japanese? Like to get to the point of speaking/reading it.

A lot of people use Genki but I personally don't use a textbook, in class or at home.


Also, is anyone from JapanGAF in Kyoto? Studying in Doshisha from September. Need some tips about renting an apartment.

 

[CornBurrito]

Just found this thread. Could anyone point me to a good text book on amazon to get me started on the basics of leaning Japanese? Like to get to the point of speaking/reading it.

I'm using Genki for class. I consider it fairly decent. At the very least I've learned some very basic grammar constructs, and a decent amount of vocabulary. In a relatively short amount of time as well.

Though some of its explanations for nuance (like the difference between もって行く and もって来&#12427 are a bit lacking sometimes.

 

[EmiPrime]

Just found this thread. Could anyone point me to a good text book on amazon to get me started on the basics of leaning Japanese? Like to get to the point of speaking/reading it.

Minna no Nihongo is pretty good especially the grammar books. I have been using the book series from N5 through to (fairly recently) N2 study.

If you live near a bookshop that sells Japanese textbooks have a thumb through first before you buy and see what you think or look out for sample chapters online.

 

[DMB4237]

So I've been doing some translating of my own from textbooks my prof lent me. I'm having problem with wording one sentence. If context is necessary, the text comes from an article on student truancy.

しかし登校拒否の場合は、ただ感情的に行きたくないのではなくて、病気に近い状態なのである。

I've translated it to be

"However, there isn't just truancy of those who truly don’t want to go because students are in a near-sick state.”

I feel like I'm missing something since the English translation I came up with doesn't make much sense.

 

[Fahrenheit]

A lot of people use Genki but I personally don't use a textbook, in class or at home.


Also, is anyone from JapanGAF in Kyoto? Studying in Doshisha from September. Need some tips about renting an apartment.

I'm using Genki for class. I consider it fairly decent. At the very least I've learned some very basic grammar constructs, and a decent amount of vocabulary. In a relatively short amount of time as well.

Though some of its explanations for nuance (like the difference between もって行く and もって来&#12427 are a bit lacking sometimes.

You both say you use Genki in class, is it something I can get and self teach? I did most of my nursing classes on my own so I'm used to that

Minna no Nihongo is pretty good especially the grammar books. I have been using the book series from N5 through to (fairly recently) N2 study.

If you live near a bookshop that sells Japanese textbooks have a thumb through first before you buy and see what you think or look out for sample chapters online.

Are they good got a beginner? It seems like a lot of the literate assumes you know a little Japaneses. I known none.


I would sign up at my local community college but the campus by me doesn't offer classes.

 

[Necromanti]

So I've been doing some translating of my own from textbooks my prof lent me. I'm having problem with wording one sentence. If context is necessary, the text comes from an article on student truancy.

しかし登校拒否の場合は、ただ感情的に行きたくないのではなくて、病気に近い状態なのである。

I've translated it to be

"However, there isn't just truancy of those who truly don’t want to go because students are in a near-sick state.”

I feel like I'm missing something since the English translation I came up with doesn't make much sense.

I took this as meaning that it's not simply that people really don't want to go in cases of refusing to go to school, but that there's an underlying (psychological) condition bordering on (mental) illness that stops them from going. That it's not just a matter of willfulness.

Though some of its explanations for nuance (like the difference between もって行く and もって来&#12427 are a bit lacking sometimes.

Yeah, they do a (somewhat) poor job of differentiating the whole "taking" and "bringing" something or someone somewhere in the beginning given how it's a bit more flexible in English. I think the de facto 3rd year Genki textbook does a better job of it.

 

[Tenck]

You both say you use Genki in class, is it something I can get and self teach? I did most of my nursing classes on my own so I'm used to that

Yes. Two people I know have been pretty successful with it before flying off to Japan.

You can also use this if you want something free.
http://www.guidetojapanese.org/learn/

 

[EmiPrime]

Are they good got a beginner? It seems like a lot of the literate assumes you know a little Japaneses. I known none.

It's a good idea to learn hiragana and katakana first. You should be able to learn both after a month of light study everyday and it won't cost you a penny.

 

[Fahrenheit]

It's a good idea to learn hiragana and katakana first. You should be able to learn both after a month of light study everyday and it won't cost you a penny.

By not costing a penny you mean this link http://www.guidetojapanese.org/learn/? I just bought that book of Genki so I dont mind spending money. Plus a text book i can bring to work with me will be handy. Plan to bed 1 to 2hrs 5 days a week with it

 

[EmiPrime]

By not costing a penny you mean this link http://www.guidetojapanese.org/learn/? I just bought that book of Genki so I dont mind spending money. Plus a text book i can bring to work with me will be handy. Plan to bed 1 to 2hrs 5 days a week with it

I mean just google image search for a hiragana and a katakana chart (preferably with stroke order) and print them off and make your own flashcards or download an Anki deck. Practice writing them using paper (preferably on genkou youshi) and pencil. Test yourself on your phone whenever you have a spare moment. I am not averse to spending money on Japanese resources either (I bought a massive kanji poster this month), I just don't think it's worth spending any money on something that will only take you a few weeks to learn.

 

[erpg]

Human Japanese is a good app to. Fun to use while you're bored or commuting.

 

[NeOak]

Hey guys,

I know its a bit outside of the scope of the thread, but can anyone tell me a bit of what is said here?

Thanks

 

[Desmond]

Not sure of the first line but the second is "I can't input well(input or entry), but I can read. "

 

[perorist]

They intended to claim they're Japanese by birth and that they can't write well but can read.

But it's really obviously a google machine translation.

 

[NeOak]

Not sure of the first line but the second is "I can't input well(input or entry), but I can read. "

They intended to claim they're Japanese by birth and that they can't write well but can read.

But it's really obviously a google machine translation.

Well, knowing the person, it makes sense.

Thanks for the help!

 

[EmiPrime]

Wonder what they put into Google translate to get 生得権...

 

[Deleted member 17706]

Wonder what they put into Google translate to get 生得権...

I'm going to assume "by birth." As in, "I'm Japanese by birth. I can't type well, but I can read." <-- probably the exact sentence that was entered.

 

[Fugu]

Is there a name for the large number of (mostly) adverbs that follow the pattern X&#12387;Y&#12426; (&#12375;&#12387;&#12363;&#12426;&#12289;&#12399;&#12387;&#12365;&#12426;&#12289;&#12404;&#12387;&#12383;&#12426; etc.)? I tried googling this but I didn't really come up with anything.

 

[Deleted member 17706]

Is there a name for the large number of (mostly) adverbs that follow the pattern X&#12387;Y&#12426; (&#12375;&#12387;&#12363;&#12426;&#12289;&#12399;&#12387;&#12365;&#12426;&#12289;&#12404;&#12387;&#12383;&#12426; etc.)? I tried googling this but I didn't really come up with anything.

Pretty sure they just fall under the &#25836;&#24907;&#35486;&#65288;&#12366;&#12383;&#12356;&#12372;&#65289;&#12539;&#25836;&#38899;&#35486;&#65288;&#12366;&#12362;&#12435;&#12372;&#65289; category and don't really have a special name of their own.

 

[Desmond]

I actually did pass n4. Certificate came in the post. My aim is to take n2 when I return from my exchange in December 2015. Perhaps take n3 in Japan next year.

 

[CornBurrito]

Is it like... a thing for native Japanese speakers to laugh when foreigners try to speak Japanese? And by laugh I mean non-maliciously.

 

[hitsugi]

Is it like... a thing for native Japanese speakers to laugh when foreigners try to speak Japanese? And by laugh I mean non-maliciously.

There was a thread on reddit today by someone who was so tired off by this that they were considering leaving Japan... It does seem to be a thing but for misunderstood reasons I think

 

[CornBurrito]

There was a thread on reddit today by someone who was so tired off by this that they were considering leaving Japan... It does seem to be a thing but for misunderstood reasons I think

Any chance someone explained why they do this? I could definitely tell it wasn't malicious, and it didn't always follow when I made a mistake (which made me even more confused).

 

[hitsugi]

Any chance someone explained why they do this? I could definitely tell it wasn't malicious, and it didn't always follow when I made a mistake (which made me even more confused).

Take a look: http://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/1yw5rv/should_i_give_up_and_leave_japan/

There are several plausible attempts at explaining it

 

[Deleted member 17706]

Is it like... a thing for native Japanese speakers to laugh when foreigners try to speak Japanese? And by laugh I mean non-maliciously.

I may just be blanking, but I can't recall ever seeing that happen, either towards myself or other non-native Japanese speakers.

 

[shanshan310]

I may just be blanking, but I can't recall ever seeing that happen, either towards myself or other non-native Japanese speakers.

Yeah me neither.

 

[NinjaCarrot]

Have you guys seen this? https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/297265509/koe-a-jrpg-with-japanese-at-the-core-of-gameplay

Looks interesting!

 

[OneEightZero]

Wonder what they put into Google translate to get &#29983;&#24471;&#27177;...

&#12379;&#12356;&#12392;&#12367;&#12369;&#12435;&#65311; Birthright?

 

[Zoe]

I may just be blanking, but I can't recall ever seeing that happen, either towards myself or other non-native Japanese speakers.

I've seen it. Usually after the bf has tried saying his Japanese is really bad but then following it up with near perfect Japanese.

 

[Deleted member 17706]

&#12379;&#12356;&#12392;&#12367;&#12369;&#12435;&#65311; Birthright?

Yes. &#29983;&#12414;&#12428;&#12394;&#12364;&#12425;&#12395;&#12375;&#12390;&#24471;&#12427;&#27177;&#21033;&#12288;&#65309;&#12288;&#29983;&#24471;&#27177;

 

[CornBurrito]

How do I use the word "onaji?" Is it an adjective? A noun? Or both?

I basically want to say "we are taking the same science class" and I'm not sure how to phrase that.

 

[Necromanti]

How do I use the word "onaji?" Is it an adjective? A noun? Or both?

I basically want to say "we are taking the same science class" and I'm not sure how to phrase that.

&#21516;&#12376; is a weird one. It does indeed behave as both an adjective and a noun, but not in the sense that &#12394;-adjectives are adjectival nouns. (I don't even know what it's classified as.)

Anyway, it immediately precedes a noun when it is modifying one to describe it (the same way &#12356;-adjectives do).

&#21516;&#12376; + noun:

&#21516;&#12376;&#12463;&#12521;&#12473;&#12434; &#12290;&#12290;&#12290;

Vs. &#21516;&#12376; itself as a noun:

X&#12399;(Y&#12392;&#65289;&#21516;&#12376;&#12391;&#12377;&#12290;
X is the same (as Y).

So,

(&#31169;&#12383;&#12385;&#12399;&#65289;&#21516;&#12376; (&#31185;&#23398;&#12398 &#12463;&#12521;&#12473; &#12434; &#12392;&#12387;&#12390;&#12356;&#12414;&#12377;*&#12290;

*Or however you learned how to say 'taking a class', e.g. (&#12463;&#12521;&#12473;/&#25480;&#26989;&#12434;&#21463;&#12369;&#12390;&#12356;&#12414;&#12377;&#12290 The example above might be more colloquial.

 

[CornBurrito]

Thanks a bunch Necromanti. I decided to go with that, and it is good to have some confirmation that I did the right thing.

Another question I have. I want to say something like, I went to my friend's house to study and eat dinner.

&#21451;&#36948;&#12398;&#23478;&#12408;&#21193;&#24375;&#12375;&#12395;&#34892;&#12387;&#12390;&#26217;&#24481;&#39151;&#12434;&#12383;&#12409;&#12414;&#12377;&#12290; - is this a correct way to say it?

for this lesson we have to use &#21193;&#24375;&#12375;&#12395;&#34892;&#12367;, conjugating the &#34892;&#12367; to fit our need. Am I allowed to use the -te form here to combine it with the &#26217;&#24481;&#39151;&#12434;&#12383;&#12409;&#12414;&#12377; portion of the sentence? Or will I need to split this into two separate sentences and go: &#21451;&#36948;&#12398;&#23478;&#12408;&#21193;&#24375;&#12375;&#12395;&#34892;&#12365;&#12414;&#12377;. &#12381;&#12428;&#12363;&#12425;&#26217;&#24481;&#39151;&#12434;&#39135;&#12409;&#12414;&#12377;&#12290;

 

[Necromanti]

Nice.

Anyway, I don't see why you couldn't roll it into one using &#12390;-form.

&#21451;&#36948;&#12398;&#23478;&#12395;&#21193;&#24375;&#12375;&#12390;&#26217;&#12372;&#39151;&#12434;&#39135;&#12409;&#12395;&#34892;&#12365;&#12414;&#12375;&#12383;&#12290;

(Wasn't sure if you wanted to say you had already gone, or were going to go.)

 

[Vigilant Walrus]

Guys I tried making a story, can you give me feedback on the grammar?





&#12513;&#12450;&#12522;&#12540;&#12392;&#12479;&#12459;&#12471; &#12489;&#12521;&#12510;
Mary and Takashi Drama: Evil Rejection

________________________________________________________

&#12471;&#12540;&#12531; &#19968; : &#12414;&#12378;&#26085;&#12398;&#12473;&#12463;&#12540;&#12523;

&#12392;&#12479;&#12459;&#12471;: &#12362;&#12356;&#12513;&#12450;&#12522;&#12540;


&#12513;&#12450;&#12522;&#12540; : &#12354;&#12354;, &#12371;&#12435;&#12395;&#12385;&#12399;&#12392;&#12479;&#12459;&#12471; &#12354;&#12427;.
&#12414;&#12384; &#12354;&#12394;&#12383; &#12431;&#12383;&#12375; &#12473;&#12488;&#12540;&#12461;&#12531;&#12464; &#12391;&#12377;&#65311;

&#12392;&#12479;&#12459;&#12471;: &#12513;&#12450;&#12522;&#12540; &#12375;&#12363;&#12375; -

&#12513;&#12450;&#12522;&#12540; : &#12479;&#12459;&#12471;&#12420;&#12417;&#12427;!!!



________________________________________________________

&#12471;&#12540;&#12531; &#20108;: &#12354;&#12392;&#12391; &#12381;&#12398;&#26085;

&#12392;&#12479;&#12459;&#12471;: &#12381;&#12428;&#12393;&#12358;&#12391;&#12375;&#12383;&#12363;?

&#12513;&#12450;&#12522;&#12540; : &#20309;???

&#12392;&#12479;&#12459;&#12471;: &#12493;&#12532;&#12449;&#12540;&#12510;&#12452;&#12531;&#12489; &#12354;&#12431;&#12420; &#12354;&#12431;&#12420;

&#12356;&#12388;&#12363; &#12375;&#12390;&#12367;&#12384;&#12373;&#12356; &#12391; &#12487;&#12540;&#12488; &#12431;&#12383;&#12375; &#12399; &#12391;&#12377;&#12363; ?


&#12513;&#12450;&#12522;&#12540; : &#22823;&#19976;&#22827;&#65281;
&#12383;&#12385; &#12399; &#12393;&#12371; &#12375;&#12388;&#12418;&#12426; &#12391;&#12377;&#12363; ?
&#12393;&#12371;&#12391;&#12377;?

&#12392;&#12479;&#12459;&#12471;: &#12388;&#12414;&#12426;&#12399; &#12469;&#12503;&#12521;&#12452;&#12474;&#12391;&#12377;


&#12513;&#12450;&#12522;&#12540;: &#22823;&#19976;&#22827;&#65281;



________________________________________________________
&#12471;&#12540;&#12531;&#19977; : &#12399;&#12354;&#12392;&#12391; &#12373;&#12425;&#12395;&#12381;&#12398;&#26085;



&#12392;&#12479;&#12459;&#12471;: &#12393;&#12358;&#12391;&#12375;&#12383; &#39151; ?


&#12513;&#12450;&#12522;&#12540;: &#12381;&#12398;&#39151; &#12399; &#12383;&#12356;&#12356; &#12362;&#12356;&#12375;&#12356; &#12391;&#12377;




________________________________________________________

&#12471;&#12540;&#12531;&#22235; &#20116; : &#12524;&#12473;&#12488;&#12521;&#12531;&#12395;&#12391;&#12381;&#12398;&#26217;


&#12392;&#12479;&#12459;&#12471;: &#12393;&#12358;&#12375;&#12390;&#12289;&#26469;&#12414;&#12379;&#12435;&#12391;&#12375;&#12383;&#12363;?

&#12513;&#12450;&#12522;&#12540;: &#12392;&#12479;&#12459;&#12471; &#12431;&#12383;&#12375;&#12399; &#12367;&#12383;&#12367;&#12383; &#12473;&#12488;&#12540;&#12461;&#12531;&#12464; &#12398; &#12391;&#12377;

&#12392;&#12479;&#12459;&#12471;: &#12458;&#12540;&#12465;&#12540; , &#12418;&#12399;&#12420; &#12431;&#12383;&#12375;&#12399; &#12473;&#12488;&#12540;&#12461;&#12531;&#12464; &#12391;&#12377;.

&#12513;&#12450;&#12522;&#12540;: &#12354;&#12426;&#12364;&#12392;&#12358;



&#32066;&#12431;&#12426;

 

[Necromanti]

I think you forgot to drop the &#8217;&#12392;&#8217; in front of Takashi's name when you copy pasted it from the title. (His name is shown as &#12392;&#12479;&#12459;&#12471;.)

All I can say is:

- Make sure you're consistent with the level of politeness you are using between the same two people here.

- Leave all the particles in to begin with (rather than dropping them), since the skit is kind of hard to follow.

- Make sure you're using the write vocabulary. &#22823;&#19976;&#22827; doesn't seem like the correct usage here, since it gives more of a sense of "I'm okay", or "It's all right", rather than an affirmative that a simple &#12399;&#12356; or &#12356;&#12356;&#12391;&#12377; would confer.

- If you are ending a polite sentence as a question, then make sure that &#12363; follows the copula (&#12391;&#12377.

- Half of it is hard (or impossible) to understand.

I'd recommend rewriting it using solely what you know already since I see some words like &#12473;&#12488;&#12540;&#12461;&#12531;&#12464;, &#12469;&#12503;&#12521;&#12452;&#12474;, &#12473;&#12463;&#12540;&#12523; etc. that have their own Japanese equivalents that you did not use. Start simple. Avoid using Google Translate (like you did with the scene titles).

 

[robox]

&#26126;&#26085;&#12415;&#12435;&#12394;&#12391;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;
&#23478;&#26063;&#12399;&#12415;&#12435;&#12394;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;

what's the difference in usage here?
1, minna is being used as a modifier of some sort?
2, minna is being described, ie the blanks will be filled with enumeration of the family members?

i feel like i should know this by now, but it's late night and i can't be arsed to research more

 

[Aizo]

&#26126;&#26085;&#12415;&#12435;&#12394;&#12391;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;
&#23478;&#26063;&#12399;&#12415;&#12435;&#12394;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;&#65343;

what's the difference in usage here?
1, minna is being used as a modifier of some sort?
2, minna is being described, ie the blanks will be filled with enumeration of the family members?

i feel like i should know this by now, but it's late night and i can't be arsed to research more

The first is like "Tomorrow, &#65367;e all/they all _____" For example, "Tomorrow, let's all go to karaoke."

The second, as you said, is everyone being described. "Everyone in my family is _____" Something as simple as &#23478;&#26063;&#12399;&#12415;&#12435;&#12394;&#20803;&#27671;&#12391;&#12377;&#12290;would be fine.

 

[Aizo]

I'm looking for some advice from those who have lived/live in Japan.

I've been living here, going to university, for about six months. I've been on Spring break since February, and this month, I'll be traveling. My break ends a bit into April. So I've recently had an issue talking to people in Japanese. At my university, it was easy enough. I was also consistently hanging out with people from my circles outside of school. Lately, though, all my Japanese friends are touring (a couple of them are in bands), traveling to other countries, or they're too busy with work or job hunting.

I study Japanese every day with kanji, grammar, vocab, reading, and I practice my listening with Japanese TV. I'm not getting any practice in for my speaking, though really. Also, all my studying is stuff that I could realistically do anywhere. So, I'm wondering what I should do that I couldn't do back in my home country to practice my Japanese that would be easy. Any ideas?

TL;DR I need recommendations of ways to practice my Japanese here in Japan that I couldn't do anywhere else.